democracy

Dozens of prominent activists have been arrested since the national security law was introduced last year.

Authorities have warned in recent days that the subversion clause of a powerful new security law imposed on Hong Kong could be used against those marking the Tiananmen anniversary.

The verdict was the latest blow to the increasingly cowed democracy movement as the Hong Kong and Beijing governments tighten their grip.

On Sunday, nearly 100 demonstrators were detained on the grounds of breaching public health measures against the coronavirus.

The forum will also feature several prominent Pakatan Harapan politicians including Anwar Ibrahim although Najib Razak will have the last word.

Concerns have as much to do with the ex-PM's involvement in a forum on democracy, as with the organiser's background.

Legislation to vet all election candidates in Hong Kong is currently being discussed by China's rubber-stamp parliament and is expected to be adopted on Thursday.

Bail is unlikely and the charges carry a maximum term of life imprisonment. 

A list of offences includes acts that endanger national security, advocating for independence or refusing to accept China's sovereignty over Hong Kong.

Twitter has become the latest platform blocked by the junta, following a surge of new users seeking to circumvent blocks on Facebook and other internet domains.

Despite the political crisis of 2020, Malaysia did well in terms of electoral process and pluralism, and performed better than many large democracies.

Beijing defends the arrest of more than 50 democracy figures in Hong Kong.